I Ran From My Psycho Step-brother Straight Into The Alpha's Lap novel Chapter 18

**When Night Grows Softer Hope Returns To Lead Us by Asa Rowan Finn**

Sophie felt a shiver race down her spine, a sensation she could not shake off. The powerful presence of Torin loomed over her, and though a part of her was tempted to challenge him, the overwhelming weight of his authority made her hesitate. She found herself grappling with the request he had just made, a request that felt impossible to fulfill. Instead of voicing her doubts, she reached out for the money once more, her fingers brushing against the cool bills. This time, he relented and allowed her to take it.

With a quick exchange of change, she spun around, her heart racing as she focused on preparing the drinks. Her hands trembled slightly, betraying her nerves. She concentrated hard, trying to recall the precise method she had used to craft the first drink. After what felt like an eternity, she finally completed the task and carefully carried both cups over to Torin. “Here you go. One large black dark roast and one white chocolate raspberry vanilla latte,” Sophie announced, her voice steady despite the turmoil within.

She observed as Torin picked up the raspberry drink first. His gaze remained locked on hers, a silent challenge that sent her pulse racing. He tilted the cup back and took a sip, his expression inscrutable. After what felt like a lifetime, he set the cup down, his face betraying no emotion. “Yep. I don’t like it. You can have it,” he stated flatly, turning away without another word and striding across the shop.

Sophie stood frozen, staring at his retreating figure, a mix of confusion and disappointment swirling within her. She glanced down at the cup, wrestling with her thoughts. Hadn’t she told him he wouldn’t enjoy it? So why had he bought it in the first place? Once she was sure he wasn’t looking, she lifted the cup to her lips and took a quick sip. As the rich flavors danced on her tongue, she closed her eyes in bliss. It was exquisite.

When she opened her eyes again, she found Torin’s intense gaze fixed on her from across the room. He gave her a subtle nod before exiting the store, leaving Sophie in a state of bewilderment, her mind racing with questions.

“Did I miss anything?” Helen’s voice broke through her thoughts as she entered the front door, arms laden with supplies.

Sophie turned to her, a smile creeping onto her face. “I sold one of my drinks,” she replied, her excitement bubbling over.

But she kept the details of the second drink to herself. “To who?” Helen inquired, her curiosity piqued.

“The police officer—Kevin,” Sophie revealed. “He said he liked it.”

“Well, of course he did! But he doesn’t count. We need to find someone else to try it,” Helen declared, her tone matter-of-fact.

Sophie blinked, perplexed by her friend’s reasoning. “Why doesn’t Kevin count?” she asked, genuinely confused.

Helen’s eyes sparkled with amusement. “Because he likes you, dear. So naturally, he’s going to say he enjoys the drink,” she explained, as if it were the most obvious truth in the world.

Sophie couldn’t help but laugh at that. “He doesn’t like me,” she insisted, still chuckling.

“Hmmm,” Helen replied, a teasing tone in her voice. Sophie brushed it off, returning to her tasks. When the shop quieted down, she took a moment to jot down the ingredients she would need for the cinnamon rolls, handing the completed list to Helen.

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